CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Governor Jim Justice and Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Austin Caperton announced today that $50.65 million in abandoned mine land grants has been awarded to 15 projects in 12 counties and those projects are contributing to job growth, increased tourism, and redevelopment across West Virginia.

“From ATV trail camps to increasing access to broadband, these projects all have one thing in common, and that’s to make West Virginia a better place,” said Gov. Justice. “I share in their goal of improving the quality of life for West Virginians, providing good paying jobs, and to make good use of land that has been reclaimed after being utilized as a mine site.”

The deadline to apply for an additional share of $25 million in economic redevelopment grants for abandoned mine land sites has been extended to June 29.

“The projects that will be approved following this latest round of applications will help to keep stimulating economic development or help to continue great work that is already underway,” said Secretary Caperton. “These projects reflect how eager West Virginians are to redevelop these abandoned mine land sites to create jobs, increase tourism, and promote a positive image of West Virginia.”

The grant funding, provided by the federal government through the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), is administered by the WVDEP’s Office of Abandoned Mine Lands. The recipients applied for the grant funding in 2016 and 2017 and were each considered by a committee of representatives from the WVDEP, West Virginia Department of Commerce, Department of Transportation, and the Governor’s Office.

The economic development projects must be located on or adjacent to mine sites that ceased operations prior to the signing of the Surface Mine Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) on August 3, 1977. The WVDEP is ultimately responsible for determining which projects get funded, working with an advisory committee made up of representatives from the West Virginia Department of Commerce, Department of Transportation, and the Governor’s Office. Recipients of grant funding from the 2018 round of applications could be announced as early as September. The grant funding must be approved by OSMRE.